As U.S. Semiconductor Export Dynamics Was Weak, Net Exports Turned into 3 Billion Trade Deficit over the Last Four Years

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The U.S. takes an 8% share (based on USD) of global semiconductor and related device exports, which put it in fourth place, following China (18%), Singapore (18%) and Korea (11%). In 2015, the U.S. exported 39,018 million USD, 2% under the previous year.

From 2007 to 2015, U.S. semiconductor and related device exports showed mixed dynamics. After a significant drop in 2009, exports bounced back, but failed to reach the peak level of 2008. However, in 2011, exports turned downwards until 2012, when exports stabilized and remained around that level over the last four years. There was an annual decrease of -2.4% throughout the analysed period.

As the U.S. companies worsened their positions on overseas markets, domestic manufacturers narrowed opportunities to grow from overseas demand.

In 2015, the main destinations of U.S. semiconductor and related device exports were Mexico (18%), China (15%) and Malaysia (12%). The share exported to Mexico increased significantly (+8 percentage points), while the shares sent to China and Malaysia remained relatively stable between 2007 and 2015.

The U.S. trade balance of semiconductor and related devices varied from 2007 to 2015. However, imports grew faster than exports on average over the period under review.

Before 2011, the U.S. was the net exporter of semiconductor and related device, with net exports declined from about 21.2 billion USD in 2008 to 2.2 billion USD in 2011. Over the years, however, that surplus not only evaporated but turned into a 3 billion USD trade deficit in 2015, driven by steadily rising imports.

Source: U.S. Semiconductor And Related Device Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2020